Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?
When your toilet keeps running, it isn’t just annoying—it’s also a money waster. Put a stop to “phantom flushes” and continually running toilets with the following troubleshooting tips.
Running Toilet Troubleshooting Tips
Before you begin, shut off the water behind the toilet to make your work easier. Then, remove the tank lid and have a look inside. Here’s what to watch out for:
Damaged Flapper
A rubber flapper is what seals the tank and prevents water from leaking into the bowl. Over time, the flapper may break at the hinge and come loose. Less noticeably, the flapper can also become warped or dirty and fail to make a tight seal after each flush.
To access the flapper, flush the toilet to drain the tank (it won’t refill if you turned off the water). Remove the flapper and check it for problems. If it’s dirty, try cleaning it. If the flapper is broken, take it with you to the hardware store for help picking out the correct replacement.
Chain Length Problems
A thin chain connects the flush lever to the flapper. If the chain is too short, the flapper might be unable to seal tightly. If the chain is too long, it might get stuck under the flapper and prevent it from closing.
Adjust the chain length by hand if possible or replace the chain with one of a more suitable length. You might choose a style that features a float to help prevent the chain from getting caught under the flapper.
Improper Float Position
Many toilets have a balloon float, which is responsible for shutting off the toilet before the water reaches the overflow pipe. If the float is set too high and the toilet keeps running, try bending the connecting rod slightly so the float sits a little lower in the tank. If the rod won’t bend, and you’re sure the flapper and chain aren’t causing the issue, it may be time to call a plumber.
Schedule Toilet Services in Central New Jersey
These troubleshooting tips work in most cases, but if your toilet keeps running, you may have a more serious problem on your hands. Let the experienced plumbers at Arctic Air Conditioning take a look and provide the toilet repair you need.
To schedule plumbing services in Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, Ocean, or Somerset County, contact us today!
